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Straw Weaving is Alive in Turks & Caicos Islands

MIDDLE CAICOS CO-OP & WHOLESALE OUTLET

Thank you for supporting the local artisans of Turks & Caicos Islands. Be sure to look for our Middle Caicos Co-op Tag!

The Middle Caicos Co-op proudly sells handmade baskets and bags, all made from island grasses and palm tops growing wild here in the Turks & Caicos Islands. These exquisite baskets are likely the last of a kind of art that has been passed down through generations…..as few young people are today learning the craft.

In an effort to encourage the traditional heritage and culture of Turks and Caicos Islands, and to create an income for the island elders, the Middle Caicos Co-op, a non-profit group, was established by a group of friends working in MIddle Caicos on an historic walking trail. Initiated in 1998 with 6 straw and basket artists, Middle Caicos Co-op has grown to over 40 basket and straw artists, and includes a mix of other local artisans throughout the island chain.

The development of a cottage industry in hand-crafted products is an important element in the growth of a sustainable local economy in the outer islands. To this end, a series of policies were developed and remain in force to this day :

All Artisans are paid in full when they deliver their handcrafts to the Middle Caicos Co-op.

The goods are moved to the wholesale outlet on Provo where they are sold with a minimum markup to cover the co-op overheads

Retail buyers come and select items for their own retail shops, and order signature items

Money received after expenses goes to buy more handcrafts from the artists

Juslene Sinferme at sewing machine in MCCo-op

Everyone is welcome to visit the Sales Outlet and Production Studio in Conch Bar ! In 2008 a simple outlet was opened in the village of Conch Bar to facilitate more sales of local handcrafts, and to provide a centre for production of larger orders. Come and see how this co-op venture is keeping the culture of Caribbean basket weaving alive, with demonstrations and interpretive displays as well as a gifted Artisan on hand for your questions. Open daily 11am – 4 pm. We would like to encourage your support to please purchase our products ! Look for our Tag

Making Plait from White Top Palm on Middle Caicos

In 2013, the Middle Caicos Co-op partnered with its long term eco adventure friend BIG BLUE UNLIMITED to further educate all visitors about the cultural traditions. Mrs. Stacia Arthur joined the team working a few hours each day to inform all guests about the handcrafts, the artisans and the traditions. She is a skilled artisan and always has a display on hand of the raw materials, stages of each item, repair work and finely produced baskets. The support of BIG BLUE UNLIMITED through paying Stacia to work in the MCCo-op has been truly welcome! Indeed the MCCo-op goal of creating income for the local artisans is being well and better met as more goods are purchased in the outlet. And the BIG BLUE UNLIMITED goal to provide great historical education and in depth cultural experience for their guests moves ahead with her involvement on each “Hearts of the Islands” tour! Call Big Blue Unlimited for more information : 1-649-946- 5034 or email info@bigblueunlimited.com

HANDCRAFT OUTLETS – LOOK FOR OUR TAG

ON PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, conveniently located in several retail locations

Department of Culture, Turtle Cove

Departure Lounge, Provo Air Center

Big Blue Unlimited, Providenciales

ONMiddle Caicos in Conch Bar at the Middle Caicos Co-op Studio and Shop

BASKET WEAVING

Turks and Caicos Islands baskets are classified as Coiled" basketry, using grasses and rushes hand picked from the wild marshes and fields on Middle Caicos, North Caicos and South Caicos.

After the grasses are picked they are dried and prepared for the basket weavers. The basket weavers in Turks and Caicos Islands are typically the senior citizens living in the smaller remote island communities.

Basketry is fast becoming a lost craft in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Middle Caicos Coop venture was developed to aid in keeping the culture of Caribbean basket weaving alive. We appreciate your support.

LOOK FOR OUR TAG !

Thank you for supporting the local artisans of Turks & Caicos Islands. Be sure to look for our Middle Caicos Co-op Tag!